Extension of the Process Window in Laser Chemical Machining by Temperature-Dependent Reduction of the Electrolyte Viscosity

Abstract The laser chemical process is a material-removing machining process in the micro range. The process is based on a laser-assisted etching process between an electrolyte and a metallic workpiece. Local overheating causes a laser-induced electrolyte boiling process, which limits the laser chemical process window. In order to reduce the laser-induced electrolyte boiling process and thus expand the process window, the laser chemical process is carried out at different electrolyte start temperatures and thus different electrolyte viscosities and surface tensions. The experimental investigations were carried out on Titanium Grade 1 with the electrolytes phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid at different electrolyte temperatures and laser powers to determine the limits of the process window by evaluating the properties of the removal cavities. As a result, the process window is extended at lower electrolyte viscosities. Thereby, the electrolyte viscosities have no influence on the geometric shape of the removal. The extension of the process window is attributed to the fact that a reduction in electrolyte viscosity results in a less pronounced formation of the boiling process, the bubble diameters decrease, and the shielding effect of the bubbles is reduced.